Yelena is surely one of the most hated characters among the fanbase of the popular anime and manga series ‘Attack On Titan‘. Ever since her introduction to the fans, she has gotten reactions that do not go in her favor from large sections of the fanbase.
But what exactly is it about Yelena that draws such negative reactions? Her actions and personality traits are certainly unlikeable, but a closer look into the character reveals many more reasons for her perception by the ‘Attack On Titans‘ fans and the hate that she receives.
Yelena’s Ruthlessness In ‘Attack On Titans’ Makes Her Unlikeable
First introduced as a member of the anti-Marleyan volunteers, a radicalized group that follows Zeke Jaeger, she shows extreme dedication and support to Zeke’s flawed idea of euthanizing. Yelena takes her position very seriously, even executing and murdering fellow volunteers in cold blood who show hesitation to the cause. Her unwavering loyalty and willingness to kill those who oppose her is one of the main reasons for the hate she receives.
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However, the hatred the fans feel might be even deeper than that. Yelena represents something much larger than what is shown in the anime and manga, which is the danger of blind fanaticism taken to its utmost extreme. She serves as a disturbing reflection of societies throughout history that have been led down the wrong path through propaganda.
On an emotional basis, fans react in such a negative way to the character because they recognize the scary parallels to the real world in Yelena’s toxic blend of unquestioning obedience and ruthless tactics which have been seen in dictatorships ever since the dawn of time itself.
Yelena And Her Master Manipulation
Another reason for Yelena’s unpopularity among the fanbase is her arrogant and unbearable personality. She treats others, even her own faction, with arrogance and looks down on them.
This emotion is perfectly encapsulated by Mappa’s animation and really brings out her character. Yelena carries herself with an inflated ego and a sense of intelligence which she thinks is better than the others.
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While to some extent her dedication to the cause can be admired, her extreme radicalism and mistreatment of people put fans and audiences against her from the get-go.
Her manipulation of characters like Niccolo is an example of her cunning nature and instinct for taking advantage of people. She represents the uglier faction of society and what’s wrong with it. It is this quality of hers, along with Hajime Isayama’s incredible characterization and also Mappa’s animation that make Yelena one of ‘Attack On Titan’s‘ most hated characters.
